Insect Shield for
Open-Top Fermenters
Insect Shield for
Open-Top Fermenters
Protect your wine during open fermentation
Cape Steam offers breathable protective nets, designed to fit fermenters made of wood, stainless steel, or plastic.
Key Benefits
- Cover open-top fermenters for secure fermentation
- Protect your wine from turning into Acetic acid (component of vinegar)
- Insect shield prevents contamination
- Hygiene is maintained during open fermentation
How Wine Flies affect your wine
Wine flies (also known as fruit flies) can increase volatile acidity by carrying acetic acid bacteria, such as Acetobacter. These bacteria convert alcohol in wine into acetic acid when oxygen is present. Fruit flies can host these bacteria and spread them to other surfaces in the winery, creating a risk of contamination.
In winemaking, acetic acid is important because:
- It’s produced when acetic acid bacteria (like Acetobacter) convert ethanol (alcohol) into acetic acid in the presence of oxygen.
- High levels of acetic acid lead to volatile acidity (VA), which can spoil wine by giving it a sharp, vinegary flavour.
Controlling fruit flies and oxygen exposure is crucial to prevent this unwanted conversion
Controlling fruit flies and oxygen exposure is crucial to prevent this unwanted conversion